The Netherlands is rolling out some 6,000 smart garbage cans that can only be used when residents scan an RFID-enabled ID card. Besides monitoring just how much trash someone disposes of, the cans will also measure and charge the user based on how much refuse they tossed.

Alongside the new garbage cans will be recycling bins that don't charge a cent, and the program is designed to encourage users to buy and use products that can be recycled, instead of just tossed, and hopefully reduce the number of thefts of city-issued cans. But given the choice of properly disposing of their trash—and being charged for their courtesy—or just tossing it on the ground and avoiding all the fees, there's a good chance most residents are going to choose the latter, cheaper, and easier route. [The Register via Ubergizmo]